New Force Gurkha Spied In A Practical 5-Door Setup

A recent spy video showcasing an undisguised version of a Force Motors Gurkha, but with a seemingly longer wheelbase and five doors has confirmed the news of the brand working on a five-door version of the 4x4 SUV. This development comes after a six-seater Gurkha was earlier hinted at by an RTO document. Expect the SUV to be launched in India later in 2022, likely priced at a premium over the standard three-door model that retails from Rs 13.59 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The Force Gurkha is one of the few affordable lifestyle off-roaders in India, and it rivals the Mahindra Thar. Five doors will add to the everyday ‘family car’ practicality quotient of the Gurkha, currently a four-seater with a pair of captain seats in the second row. Besides, in the three-door Gurkha, the general area between the seats and tailgate serves as a boot. However, there’s no load cover, and any luggage prevents ingress and egress from the tailgate. 

Also read: 2021 Force Gurkha first drive review: A good alternative to the Thar?

The new version may continue with the same 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine (91PS/250Nm) that powers the current-gen Gurkha. This engine breathes through a snorkel intake and comes paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Hardware such as twin differential locks and a four-low transfer case help when off-roading – the Gurkha can climb slopes of up to 35 degrees and wade in up to 700mm of water!

The Gurkha boasts modern features such as LED headlights, cornering lamps and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It comes with safety equipment such as dual airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, and rear parking sensors. 

Three-door Gurkha interior for reference

We expect the five-door Force Gurkha to debut later this year. It’ll help diversify the carmaker’s lineup, and will be a ready rival for the upcoming five-door Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny 4x4 SUVs.